Professor Mahananda Dasgupta is a world-leading nuclear physicist known for pioneering contributions to nuclear reactions and advanced instrumentation. Her precision measurements revealing the effects of quantum processes in nuclear fusion redirected research worldwide. Leading the Heavy Ion Accelerators national infrastructure capability, she has championed applications across nuclear, quantum, environmental, defence and space research, developing this large-scale sovereign infrastructure to meet national needs. In partnership with industries and universities, she is leading a training centre to address the nuclear-science skills shortage. She also initiated programs to increase and sustain diversity in STEM. Professor Dasgupta has provided expertise and global insights to decision-makers as a member of the National Science and Technology Council. She is an elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the American Physical Society and has been recognised with prestigious awards including the Pawsey Medal.